In a new series of articles, FantasySports.co.uk will analyse the likely formation and performance impact that players would have on some of the Premier League’s greatest clubs. Today, we ask the question: ‘How would Atlanta United midfielder Miguel Almiron fit in at Arsenal?’
Our analysis series is to assist Fantasy Premier League managers in understanding the impact Miguel Almiron could have in the English top-flight.
Analysis: How would Atlanta United midfielder Miguel Almiron fit in at Arsenal?
Miguel Almiron is an exciting 24-year-old attacking midfielder currently plying his trade in Major League Soccer for Atlanta United.
The Paraguayan was scouted by Atlanta’s progressive scouting department ahead of their first MLS season in 2017. Since joining from Argentina’s Lanus, Almiron has been one of the most exciting attacking players in the league.
Almiron joined Atlanta for $8 million and has since been voted to the MLS All-Star team twice, the league’s Best XI for 2017, and won the 2017 Newcomer of the Year Award.
Atlanta’s No. 10 kicked off his first year in MLS by collecting nine goals and 14 assists in 30 matches. This season he has done even better scoring 12 times and assisting 14 goals in 32 matches. He has also helped lead Atlanta to the best points total this season with just two games to play.
Rumours have swirled that Almiron could land Atlanta the largest transfer fee ever paid for an MLS player.
This season has already seen Vancouver Whitecaps sell 18-year-old Canadian sensation Alphonso Davies to Bayern Munich for €10m. Speculation has led many to believe Almiron could fetch double Davies’ figure. Although Atlanta’s executives have stated it will take around £33m to sign the player away.
Almiron’s best position with Atlanta has been playing behind a central striker. The Paraguayan thrives as a natural No. 10 and his passes have helped teammate Josef Martinez tally 30 goals this term. Martinez’s goal mark is an all-time MLS record.
Nine of the midfielder’s goals have come in the No. 10 position while eight assists have been supplied from their as well. Atlanta have played a 4-2-3-1 but have flirted with 4-3-3 this season as well. Outside of the 4-2-3-1 formation, Almiron has been less effective.
Arsenal manager Unai Emery has favoured the same formation and it has got results for the Gunners. Almiron could slot into the formation and even take over for Aaron Ramsey. The Welshman is reluctant to stay at the Emirates and Almiron would be a potentially better player to play as a No. 10.
Almiron is currently valued at £11m. His contract won’t expire until 2020 and Atlanta will never have a better time to sell the playmaker.
MLS teams have always had a reluctance to sell players. It doesn’t want to be a seen as selling league. Yet, it has had players leave on free transfers once their contracts expiring.
Fantasy Premier League managers should be excited about the prospect of Almiron in an Arsenal shirt. The Gunners are flying under Emery. If they can sustain their current form, a top-four finish is likely. Just two points back of Manchester City, Arsenal could even contend for a title if the current top three slip up.
Almiron would fit in well and would be a good replacement for Ramsey if he goes.